In the 2002 World Motorcycle Grand-Prix season, bikes with 2-stroke 500cc engines raced alongside bikes with 4-stroke 990cc engines. The result of this new format was as everyone expected it to be, 4-stroke engine bikes like Repsol Honda RC211V dominated. Its V5 engine, the first to ever be employed on a motorcycle, further enhanced the Repsol Honda RC211V. The fuel tank was placed below the seat, and the bike employed Honda's all-new "Unit Pro-Link" suspension design. Packed with revolutionary mechanics, and painted over in flourescent orange, the Repsol Honda RC211V was definitely the bike of the 21st century. From the opening race Valentino Rossi took a 9 consecutive victory sweep. Out of a 16 race series Rossi clutched his 10th victory by the 12th race in Brazil, leaving all competition in the dust, as the Italian rider became the first ever winner in the Moto GP class.

Pictured here is a 1:12 scale replica of a 2003 Honda RC211V replica driven by legendary racer Valentino Rossi which was specially decorated for the Valencia 2003 race. Features a working suspension, removable fairing, and highly detailed components. Also includes a detachable kickstand. Sold Out!

Historical Account: "The Doctor Is In" - Born on February 16th, 1979, Valentino Rossi is an Italian professional motorcycle racer and multiple MotoGP World Champion. He is widely considered one of the best motorcycle racers of all time.

Following his father, Graziano Rossi, Rossi started racing in Grand Prix in 1996 for Aprilia in the 125cc category and won his first World Championship the following year. From there, he moved up to the 250cc category, again with Aprilia, and won the World Championship in 1999.

He won the 500cc World Championship with Honda in 2001, the MotoGP World Championships (also with Honda) in 2002 and 2003, and continued his streak of back-to-back championships by winning the 2004 and 2005 MotoGP World Championship after leaving Honda to join Yamaha.

He is the reigning World Champion and won his seventh World Championship (5th consecutive) in the 2005 MotoGP series. At the end of the 2005 season, Valentino Rossi holds 79 Grand Prix victories which makes him the most successful rider of the Grand Prix series, surpassing legendary rider Giacomo Agostini.